Bariatric Surgery & Psychology
I have worked as a Clinical Psychologist specialising in bariatric surgery for over 10 years. I am very familiar with the pre and post op changes and adjustments that occur. I have written a self-help book (Living with Bariatric Surgery: Managing your Mind and your Weight) for people who are considering or who have had bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing (and life-saving) event. However, it is a psychologically challenging process. This is because of:
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the degree of behaviour changes required for bariatric surgery to be successful
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the emotional connections with food or the psychological difficulties that impact on eating​
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the rapid and dramatic changes in weight that people may experience after surgery can create a different set of issues to deal with.
The type of pre and post-surgery bariatric psychology issues that I can help with include:
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Making changes and creating new habits in preparation for surgery
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Understanding and developing strategies to manage emotional eating
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Addressing psychological issues that affect coping and eating
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Developing new coping skills
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Adjustments and changes following surgery
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Building confidence and self-esteem
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Body image issues
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Problematic eating following surgery (including binge eating, food aversions and restrictive eating)
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Maintaining weight loss
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Managing setbacks and getting back on track
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Weight regain